UK’s WSTA estimates no-deal Brexit to cost wine industry £70m

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned that the wine industry may have to spend an additional £70m for import / export documentation if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The country currently has access to the EU’s Excise Movement Control System (EMCS), which keeps a track of alcohol shipments and documents consignments electronically. A no-deal Brexit would result in the loss of this system and likely cause delays at ports.

Wine imported to the UK from a non-European nation has to be accompanied by a VI-1 form and lab tests results. With no Brexit agreement in place, this paperwork would also be required for shipments from the EU.

“The additional form filling and laboratory tests required for a no deal scenario will come as a real blow to exporters and importers alike.”

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: “The additional form filling and laboratory tests required for a no deal scenario will come as a real blow to exporters and importers alike.

“Wine inspectors will find themselves drowning in paperwork and, unless they can double their workforce, wine consignments are going to be held up by unnecessary additional red tape.

“The reality is that if we leave the EU without a deal, wine businesses big and small will be facing a catalogue of extra costs, which will ultimately be passed onto the British consumer.”

WSTA is currently working with the wine standards board and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to address the issue.